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Bloomberg

Apple’s effort to reinvent the iPad by adding a giant foldable screen has hit development hurdles, potentially delaying the planned launch.
The Cupertino, California-based company has been working on the device – projected to cost around US$3,000 – for several years and had most recently aimed for a 2028 release. But engineering challenges tied to weight, features and display technology have pushed its potential debut to 2029 or later, according to people familiar with the matter.
Apple is working with Samsung Display to develop the roughly 18-inch panel for the device, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the work is not public. The screen minimises the crease seen on foldable displays, matching an approach that Apple is also using with its planned foldable iPhone.
The foldable iPad project is part of a broader push to bring more innovative devices to market. Apple just introduced its first new handset design in years – the ultrathin US$999 iPhone Air model – and is working on everything from smart glasses to a tabletop robot device.
Unlike the foldable iPhone, prototypes of the new tablet – internally code-named J312 – do not include an external display. When closed, the device resembles a Mac laptop, with an aluminium enclosure on both sides. When opened, it is about the size of a 13-inch laptop.

Developing the technology for an 18-inch foldable display has proven especially complex and costly, pushing estimated prices to roughly triple that of a 13-inch iPad Pro. Like that model, the foldable tablet would use the organic light-emitting diode standard, which allows for more vibrant graphics and thinner displays.
Engineers are also concerned about the weight of current foldable iPad prototypes. While today’s iPad Pro ranges from about 1 to 1.3 pounds depending on size, test units of the foldable product weigh around 3.5 pounds. That is roughly the same as a MacBook Pro.
An Apple representative declined to comment.
People involved in the project said the device was similar to Huawei Technologies’ MateBook Fold, an 18-inch foldable tablet introduced by the Shenzhen-based firm in May. That product weighs about a pound less than Apple’s current prototypes and sells for roughly US$3,400, though it is only available in China.

Apple is looking to reinvigorate the iPad line-up, which was first introduced by co-founder Steve Jobs 15 years ago. Demand has slowed in recent years, with many shoppers gravitating to the Mac instead. Though iPad sales are set to grow again this year, revenue remains well below a record set in 2021.
Apple refreshed the iPad Pro last week with the M5 chip. There are also other new iPads coming, including an updated iPad Air and low-end models early next year. But those are expected to offer just minor tweaks.
The iPad Air would gain the M4 processor, while the new basic iPad would move to the A18 chip, according to people with knowledge of the plans.

The foldable iPad is meant to make a bigger splash. If successful, it would show that Apple can compete in the growing market for foldable devices.
Rivals such as Samsung Electronics, Alphabet’s Google, Lenovo Group’s Motorola and Huawei have already found that some consumers are willing to pay a premium for foldable devices that deliver larger screens in more portable designs.
Still, given the Apple tablet’s challenges – as well as its similarities to Huawei’s product – some people involved in the effort are unsure whether it will ever see the light of day.
Apple frequently spends years developing major initiatives and has shown a willingness to cancel projects it no longer views as strong business opportunities or worthwhile uses of its resources.
The most prominent example was the company’s autonomous car, a project that was shut down last year. Just weeks ago, Apple shelved a cheaper and lighter version of its Vision Pro headset – known internally as N100 – after years of development, surprising staffers.


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Engineering challenges tied to weight, features and display technology push the new iPad’s potential debut to 2029 or later, sources say


Engineering challenges tied to weight, features and display technology push the new iPad’s potential debut to 2029 or later, sources say.


Apple hits snags in development of foldable iPad with 18-inch screen

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Engineering challenges tied to weight, features and display technology push the new iPad’s potential debut to 2029 or later, sources say

Engineering challenges tied to weight, features and display technology push the new iPad’s potential debut to 2029 or later, sources say